By default, Windows 11’s Snipping Tool saves screenshots to Pictures > Screenshots and screen recordings to Videos > Screen Recordings. If you’d rather they go to your desktop, a cloud folder, or another drive, you can change the location in the app’s settings, or move the Screenshots folder itself. This guide covers both, plus how to save a single snip somewhere else.
Quick Answer
Open Snipping Tool, click See more (⋯) > Settings, find Screenshots folder, click Change, and choose a new folder. Make sure Automatically save screenshots is on. Current versions also let you change the Screen recordings folder the same way.
Method 1: Change It in Snipping Tool Settings
- Open Snipping Tool from the Start menu.
- Click See more (the three dots) in the top-right, then Settings.
- Turn on Automatically save screenshots if it’s off.
- Next to Screenshots folder, click Change, choose a folder, and click Select Folder.
- For videos, click Change next to Screen recordings folder.
If you don’t see the Change button, update Snipping Tool in the Microsoft Store (Library > Get updates); older versions don’t have it.
Method 2: Move the Screenshots Folder
This changes the location for Snipping Tool’s auto-save and for Windows + Print Screen screenshots.
- Open File Explorer and go to Pictures.
- Right-click the Screenshots folder and choose Properties.
- Click the Location tab, then Move.
- Choose the new folder and click Select Folder, then OK.
- Click Yes to move existing screenshots to the new location.
To undo it, return to the Location tab and click Restore Default.
Method 3: Save One Snip Somewhere Else
- After taking a screenshot, click the notification to open it in Snipping Tool.
- Click the Save icon (or press Ctrl + S).
- Choose any folder, name the file, and pick a format (PNG, JPG, or GIF).
Where Screenshots Go by Default
| Method | Where it’s saved |
|---|---|
| Snipping Tool (Windows + Shift + S) | Clipboard, and Pictures\Screenshots if auto-save is on |
| Windows + Print Screen | Pictures\Screenshots |
| Print Screen alone | Clipboard, or opens Snipping Tool if that setting is on |
| Snipping Tool screen recording | Videos\Screen Recordings |
| Game Bar (Windows + Alt + Print Screen) | Videos\Captures |
Cloud Storage Note
If OneDrive (or another cloud app) is set to back up screenshots or the Pictures folder, your screenshots may end up in a cloud folder instead. Check the cloud app’s backup settings if screenshots aren’t where you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren’t my snips saving automatically?
Turn on Automatically save screenshots in Snipping Tool Settings. Without it, snips only go to the clipboard.
Can I save screenshots to the desktop?
Yes. Choose the Desktop folder with either method above.
Does this work on Windows 10?
Windows 10’s Snip & Sketch doesn’t auto-save, but moving the Screenshots folder works for Windows + Print Screen.
Summary
- Open Snipping Tool > Settings.
- Click Change next to Screenshots folder (and Screen recordings folder).
- Or move Pictures\Screenshots via Properties > Location.
- Press Ctrl + S to save a single snip anywhere.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.